Visa, Bharti Airtel To Give Mobile Payments Services To Seven African Countries

(RTTNews) - Payment card processor Visa Inc. (V) announced Monday a partnership with Indian telecommunications services provider Bharti Airtel to bring innovative mobile payment services to seven markets in Africa. These countries include Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles and Tanzania.

Visa and Airtel will build on the existing capabilities of Airtel's Mobile Money service, allowing subscribers to use their Airtel Money account to pay in stores and online wherever Visa is accepted.

In addition, customers can withdraw money and make payments from their Airtel Money account using their Airtel Money Visa companion card.

Airtel Money can be used to everyday Visa transactions in stores, online and at ATMs, as well as to make micro-payments, conduct fund transfers, purchase airtime and pre-paid electricity, plus Internet bundles - using an easy, safe mobile experience.

Both companies have already launched an Airtel Money Visa Card in Kenya and will roll out services in other markets starting in early 2015.